Environmental Burden of Disease Series, No. 13

Robyn Lucas, Tony McMichael, Wayne Smith and Bruce Armstrong

Human exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation has important public health implications.
Evidence of harm associated with overexposure to UV has been demonstrated in many
studies. Skin cancer and malignant melanoma are among the most severe health effects, but a
series of other health effects have been identified. The current report provides a quantification
of the global disease burden associated with UV. The information presented forms a
knowledge base for the prevention of adverse effects of UV exposure that is achievable with
known and accessible interventions. UV prevention focuses on protecting the skin and other
organs from UV radiation. On the other hand, a moderate degree of UV exposure is necessary
for the production of Vitamin D which is essential for bone health. Additionally, evidence
emerges that low Vitamin D levels are likely to be associated with other chronic diseases.
Thus, public health policy on ultraviolet radiation needs to aim at preventing the disease
burden associated both with excessive and with insufficient UV exposure.